This fanfic is a response to Digi-Dolphin's challenge: Dew Drops. This happened chronologically before another fanfic I've written. Will let you know at the end of the fic.
Disclaimer: The fact that this is in fan should suffice. Really.
"I heard that dew drops would make it better," she said as she peered over his shoulder.
"No they don't," he said with a frown.
"They always do in the stories."
He snorted as he twirled the artificial flower's stem between his thumb and forefinger.
"You mean fairytales? Those aren't real," he said and pretended to throw the artificial flower. She plucked the flower from his fingers.
"Yes they are. Remember the mushrooms?"
"That doesn't prove anything."
She stuck out her tongue at him.
"Anyway, don't you think you're too old for fairytales?" he added.
"What's wrong with them? They add a little magic into our life," she said and looked up towards the sky. He was about to respond when she just dropped onto the ground.
"What's with that scared look?" she teased, catching his shock.
"Didn't know that the grass is your bed," he said and laid beside her. She whacked his arm.
"Oy! I feel pain you know." He feigned annoyance.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Hey, do you think that cloud looks like a rabbit or a rabbit?" She pointed at the sky.
He followed her finger to a white cloud. It did look like a rabbit.
"A dog with long ears and a puff for a tail," he said.
She punched his arm.
"Oy!"
"Liar."
He kept his mouth shut. Staring at a cloud that looked like a cross between a tuft of grass and a white flame, he remembered something.
"Isn't your grandfather visiting today?" he asked.
"Gah!"
He bit back his laughter as she made funny noises while gathering her stuff. With a brief glance to check if she had left anything behind, she ran.
"Welcome!" he called out after her.
"Thank you!" she yelled over her shoulder.
He chuckled as he watched her retreating back and started to stand. As he stood, he noticed the flower they made earlier that triggered the little fairytale conversation. Should he chase after her? She couldn't be that far away.
He cast his gaze down the hill. She was already a barely distinguishable smudge of colours. With a shrug, he took the flower.
He would give it to her tomorrow.
Staggering out of the door, engulfed by fire, her grandfather laughed into the flame lit sky. The burning house stood out against the night sky. Embers danced in the air, accompanied by pained cries and wails of despair.
"Lily!" he yelled. His fingers gripped the plastic flower. He had to give it to her.
"Dan, don't!"
He fought against the hands that held him back. He had to give the flower to her. He had to, but the hands wouldn't let him. Every time he pushed off one hand, more fingers would wrap around his limbs. He screamed at them to let him go but his voice would always drown in the sea of voices around him. Even when he tried throwing himself forward, the wall of flesh stopped him, even pushing him back at times.
It was only after all that was left were ashes and charred wood that the human barrier parted. By then, he knew that Lily was dead, and his heart was like the house.
Scarred. Defeated.
Empty.
For those who do not know, this Lily is the Lily from It's a Secret. Hope you enjoy this.
